Latter Day Prophet and Leaders

As we prepare for General Conference, this activity will help children recognize the First Presidency and the twelve apostles today.  Tell them that many of them will be speaking and what they say is what Heavenly Father wants us to hear.  As one of our songs says, "If I listen with my heart, I hear the Savior's words."

Find pictures of the First Presidency and the twelve apostles and tape them on the board.  Behind each picture put the title of songs that you would like to review.  Behind the rest of the pictures put all or some of the following question:

• How can I prepare for General Conference?
• What can I do during conference to help me listen?
• How can I help my family listen to conference?

I used these questions several times because there are many ideas that the children will want to share.  There are some excellent ideas in The Friend that you could suggest, also. Let the children take turns choosing a picture, then tell who it is.  Sing the songs behind the pictures or answer the questions.

I print a list of all the names of the twelve and the First Presidency so the children can see them.  They may not be able to put a name with a picture so the teachers can help.  Check off the names as they are used.

As we approach General Conference, I thought it would be fun to review the songs that we have learned through the prophets.  This week I have chosen several (5 to 10) ancient prophets.  I chose pictures of several prophets from the "Gospel Art Picture Kit."  Behind each picture I have put the title of a song that we have learned.  If you are learning a song, put a phrase from the song on or behind the pictures.  Begin by telling the children that the prophets have preached God's word since the world began.  Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and make good choices so He gave us prophets who will teach us what the Lord wants us to know.  The songs that we sing also help us to learn the gospel.  The prophets on the board are all ancient prophets or prophets that lived before Christ came to the earth.  Let's see if you can name the prophet or tell a little about him, then we will sing the song (or phrase) behind the picture.  After we sing the song (or phrase) let's see if we can figure out what Heavenly Father wants us to learn.  Continue choosing a picture and singing.

Next week (the week before Conference) we will use pictures of latter day prophets or the current prophet and the 12 apostles.  You may need a week to gather these pictures.

Stand for the Right

"Stand for the Right" is the song for March as outlined in the Primary Sacrament Program for 2011.  This is one of the easiest songs to teach and perfect for the upcoming General Conference in April.  Use a picture of Pres. Monson.  If possible find pictures of other prophets both latter day and ancient.  Explain to the children that prophets have all told us to "be true."  We need to "be true at work, at play, in darkness or light and always stand for the right."  Choose actions for "work," "play," "darkness" and "light."  You can also find a picture of each of these words -- a child working, playing, nighttime and daytime.  The "CTR" shield is perfect for the words "be true."  Cut out a shield and write "be true" on it.  Each time you sing "be true" hold up the shield.  The last phrase, "stand for the right," stand like a soldier.  The children will enjoy doing the same actions as you, while they are learning the song.  Be sure to sing the song at least 5 times.

Kites

March is the perfect time to fly a kite!  Draw, color and cut out several kites.  Put phrases of a new song on the backs of the kites and let the children choose a kite to put on the board.  Sing the phrase a few times.  Choose another kite.  Depending on the size of the child, the kits can fly high or low.  You can also put different titles of songs on the backs for choosing time.  Adding some clouds to the kites adds variety to the board.